No matter what other gorgeous architectural constructions may strike down in this part of town – number six on this list is another fine example – the MAS (Museum aan de Stroom) will always remain the sandstone-coloured giant that kickstarted Het Eilandje’s whirlwind transformation. Even before this museum, dedicated to the city’s rich port history, swung open its doors in 2011, its bold Lego-look and reflection on the dock waters surrounding it had caused all sorts of other projects to materialise. While its permanent exhibition is certainly worth a visit, it’s the horizontal boulevard, accessible for free and providing panoramic views of the city below through rippling glass, that has truly made it a public space to be cherished.
